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Find Lawyers in Texas, United States for Collaborative Law: Family Law
Practice Area Overview
In traditional divorce litigation, the parties look to the court system and judges to resolve their dispute viewing the other as the adversary. The process can result in considerable emotional and financial cost to the family. Collaborative Law is a non-adversarial process that views a family in divorce as a family in crisis that has a series of problems to be solved, rather than a series of battles to be fought. The end goal is to meet the legitimate needs of everyone involved in a restructured family.
The process starts with both Husband and Wife retaining unaffiliated collaboratively trained attorneys who commit, in writing, not to go to court but instead to work together to help the couple reach agreements beneficial to all. If an agreement cannot be reached and one or both parties choose to proceed to court, the attorneys and experts are disqualified from proceeding further on an adversarial basis. With the focus on problem solving instead of adversarial representation, there is a strong likelihood conflict will be reduced, allowing the couple to resolve and reach agreements.
The parties meet privately with their respective lawyers and possibly additional experts, called “Team Members” who may include a child specialist, a neutral financial professional, and divorce coaches, all of whom perform a valuable service helping to minimize conflict and cost by guiding the parties towards an amicable resolution.
Collaborative law is similar to but differs from mediation in some significant respects. In mediation, a neutral third party (the mediator) facilitates the parties’ negotiation to help reach a settlement but cannot give legal advice, advocate for either side, or draft the final legal papers necessary. In Collaborative Law, both parties have independent lawyers present during negotiation to provide legal advice in an educational context, thereby empowering the clients to make informed decisions about their lives and their children’s lives. When agreement is reached, the collaborative lawyers will prepare all the papers necessary and will accompany the parties to court to finalize their case.
Donald C. Schiller, Senior Partner
Schiller DuCanto & FleckRespectful, Constructive Problem-Solving to Meet the Future with Confidence Kris Algert on Your Family and Your Future: Regardless of background or economic status, I treat my clients and their families with respect and dignity as I work with them to negotiate pre-and post-marital agreements or divorce settlements. I provide clients with a roadmap that starts with understanding my client's needs, goals, and values, and ends with finding, evaluating and implementing constructive solutions.My c...
Rebecca is a fighter. She fights for her clients, her clients’ children, her clients’ financial well-being, and her clients’ futures. And she fights to win. Her prowess in the courtroom is well known throughout the legal community. She’s prepared, astute, quick-witted, and good on her feet. Even attorneys on the other side of the table appreciate working with her; yes, she’s an ardent advocate for the people she represents, but she’s also fair, good-natured...
Kelly Ausley-Flores focuses on complex family law cases involving complicated property divisions, family businesses, spousal maintenance above guideline child support, customized possession schedules when parents work irregular hours, and child issues without marriage. She recognizes that every family situation is unique and approaches each situation as an opportunity for creative problem-solving. Kelly is committed to helping individuals regain their voice and confidence so they can successf...
Thomas L. Ausley is the founding partner of GoransonBain Ausley’s predecessor firm Ausley, Algert, Robertson & Flores, LLP. He has devoted his legal career to the practice of family law and has earned the respect of peers and judges alike for his unwavering integrity in guiding and advising clients. Tom was bestowed the prestigious Sam Emison Award by the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists in 2013 in recognition of his significant contributions to the practice of family law and...
As a former child abuse caseworker and judge, Angie has witnessed firsthand the destruction that protracted conflict causes in families. Her experience has led her to believe strongly in interest-based settlements of family conflict. She encourages her clients to consider the collaborative law process, because it allows them to fashion their own solutions and begin anew in the best manner possible. As a widely recognized advocate of collaborative law, Angie has traveled around the U.S. teachi...
Focusing on the future rather than the past results in better decisions, Lindley Bain believes, and counsels divorcing clients to strive for healthy, attainable goals. Lindley concentrates on financially complex divorces and high-conflict custody matters. Lindley is board certified in Family Law. She practices both collaborative and traditional litigation with both creativity and compassion to address both their financial and emotional divorce. She is the current Chair of the State Bar of Tex...
Kyle is a highly regarded family attorney who draws on deep experience and a competitive nature in seeking to prevail for his clients. A seasoned litigator, mediator, and collaborative lawyer, he handles the gamut of family law matters, with special expertise in complex custody and business cases. In addition, Kyle has cultivated a niche in working with Christians, who often struggle with reconciling divorce and their faith. Kyle began his legal career as a civil litigator but realized family...
Every family law matter, just like every person, is different. As such, Greg Beane provides each client with personalized attention throughout each step of the case. A careful listener, he focuses on his clients’ individual goals as he strives to obtain a favorable result. Greg’s background in accounting and finance have helped him to lead clients through one of the most significant financial transactions of their lives while protecting and preserving their assets for the future. ...
David S. Bouschor, II is a 1991 graduate of the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. Mr. Bouschor was a sole practitioner and a shareholder in a previous law firm until January 2000 when he opened The Law Office of David S. Bouschor, II, P.C. in Denton, Texas. For over twenty-eight years, Mr. Bouschor’s legal practice has consisted of Family Law, Guardianship and Probate. Since 1995 Mr. Bouschor has been Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specializa...
Guiding You Through Divorce, Ethically and Diligently Kristiana Butler on Your Family and Your Future: Whether through Collaborative Law or the traditional litigation model, I work with clients to develop personalized solutions for a new and better normal. I help clients prioritize goals, generate options, and explore long-term solutions with respect and support. From LGBTQIA+ parenting to buyouts of business interests, I provide a thoughtful and empathetic approach to protecting the people a...
Laura Dale is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Her practice is concentrated in the area of family law involving high conflict divorce, high net worth property division, both domestic and foreign, property valuation, custody cases, international child abduction brought under The Hague Convention and complex multi-jurisdictional family law disputes. Ms. Dale is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers and a USA Delegate on the Board of Gov...
“Divorce is a complex and emotional process; I realize that clients need a strong advocate with a level head who will listen attentively and allow them to vent, process and heal.” — Esther R. Donald Esther Donald is an excellent resource in all areas of family law and particularly accomplished in cases where children are involved. A parent and stepparent herself, she mixes her life experiences with logic, patience and persuasion to move even the most emotional cases toward a...
Melinda Eitzen, recently recognized by D Magazine as one of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” and one of the “Best Family Law Mediators in Dallas”, is an attorney on the forefront of the collaborative law movement in Texas. She is credentialed as a Master in collaborative practice by Collaborative Divorce Texas.Focused on multimillion-dollar divorces, custody modifications, paternity cases, and premarital agreements, Melinda Eitzen is highly experienced in all facets of fam...
Clients throughout the Greater Dallas area hire Robert Epstein when they need an experienced family law attorney with the strategic capabilities, creativity and intense drive to resolve challenging cases both in and out of the courtroom. He guides clients with diverse goals and financial circumstances through all types of family law matters, including divorce proceedings, child custody cases, prenuptial and post-marital agreements, collaborative divorces, modifications of visitation and paren...
Abby Ewing has built a family law practice representing people from all walks of life, from single mothers to CEOs and entrepreneurs during some of the most difficult times in their lives. She’s shown a unique ability to understand and relate to those she represents at the most fundamental level, both inside and outside of the courtroom. Ms. Ewing has experience in complex property division cases, as well as pre- and postmarital agreements and child support and custody matters, includin...
Moving Foward, With Integrity and Respect Kelly Caperton Fischer on doing what’s best for clients: I excel at finding creative and respectful solutions to family law matters, including property and child-related issues. Understanding that each family is unique and has different end goals, I use “collaborative law” as a critical foundation to help clients put settlement at the forefront, negotiate more openly and truly focus on what is best for their family. This results in t...
A partner at GoransonBain Ausley, Tom is known for his approachable manner. His reputation for honesty and integrity serves clients well in skillfully negotiating with opposing counsel to resolve cases. He manages complex divorces with expertise, and has successfully litigated child custody and complex property issues in jury and non-jury cases. He also practices collaborative law and conducts mediation. Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Tom has more th...
Some clients truly need the rule-setting and enforcement capabilities of the judicial system. With 20 years of courtroom experience, Curtis is very comfortable advocating in front of a judge or jury on behalf of his clients. However, Curtis also recognizes the collateral harm caused by a judicial system that was never designed to resolve family disputes. That is why he works hard to reserve his trial practice to those cases that simply cannot be resolved outside of the courtroom. The fact is ...
Constructive Solutions for Complex Family Law Matters Jonathan James on Your Family and Your Future: I represent business owners, professionals, and parents who want to resolve complex family law matters in the least destructive manner possible. While managing all aspects of family law, I offer particular strengths with cases involving complicated property and challenging real estate investments, contested custody disputes and modifications, and pre-marital and post-marital agreements. Whethe...
“While many of my cases are litigated, my training in collaborative law ensures that every effort is taken to reach a resolution in the most cost-effective and clear manner possible.” – Aimee Pingenot With a compassionate focus and an eye towards the future, Aimee works with clients to skillfully assist them in identifying their goals and guide them towards a resolution in often complex and contentious family law matters. Having a Master’s degree in social work provide...
Keith Maples' 20-year career has been devoted exclusively to Family Law, including litigated divorce, collaborative divorce, custody arrangements and modifications. Mr. Maples has particular expertise in issues related to special needs children and is an experienced mediator and arbitrator in family law matters. He is board certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Beth E. Maultsby has dedicated much of her life to helping families by serving as a judge, lawyer and social worker. A partner at the firm since 2005, she practices all aspects of family law including complex property issues and child-related matters. As a skilled problem-solver, Ms. Maultsby guides families through challenging issues such as substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, and child abuse. Utilizing her extensive experience in working with families, she provides clients w...
With extensive experience in cases involving divorce, custody and marital property agreements, Chris is comfortable in the chaos that comes with family law. No issue is too big or too small for Chris and his team to handle. As a skilled litigation and collaborative family law attorney, clients find comfort in knowing that Chris will be there guiding them through each step of their case with the knowledge and expertise needed to achieve the best possible outcome. Just as no two families are th...
Family law matters play no favorites, and it affects couples of every distinction. Jim Mueller is well-versed in the wide range of issues involved. As Managing Partner with Verner Brumley Mueller Parker PC, board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in family law and a member of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists, Jim's practice concentrates on complex divorce matters and contested custody litigation. He approaches all his divorce cases with the goal of helping client...
“Helping clients weigh the benefits of any given action, as well as the financial and emotional costs, is at the core of everything we do.” – Kathryn Murphy A highly goal-oriented family attorney, Kathryn Murphy is skilled in answering one of the most important concerns clients have about divorce: seeing an efficient, satisfactory end to the process. Kathryn initially helps clients establish their priorities, then outlines their options for achieving resolution. Drawing on h...
Certified Family Law Specialist, certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Susan Myres has over 35 years of experience practicing family law in Harris County and the Greater Houston area. Susan works closely with all of her clients to develop a legal strategy that best fits her client's goals and needs. Her background in business studies allows her to work through complex issues involving the characterization and valuation of a business, closely-held business interests, characteri...
Julie Quaid is a partner in the firm of Quaid Farish, LLC whose practice is limited to matrimonial law. Quaid Farish and all its lawyers are Martindale-Hubbell "AV" rated and are listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, the highest ratings a lawyer and a law firm can receive. Julie provides her clients with a full spectrum of family law services, including collaborative divorce, pre and post-marital agreements, domestic partnership agreements, complex property issues and child relate...
Reagan doesn’t miss a thing. She’s sharp, detail-oriented, and formidable. Having grown up in more than a dozen cities across the United States, she has an almost uncanny ability to connect with people and find her footing in new situations–excellent skills for a family law attorney to have. "Because I’ve lived in so many different communities, I understand and appreciate different perspectives,” says Reagan. “Being able to see all sides of any matter allow...
A partner of the firm since 2000, Eric Robertson provides compassionate assistance, creative solutions, and honest advice to his clients. Eric’s areas of expertise include divorces involving the valuation and division of complicated assets, drug and alcohol addiction, and mental health issues. His clients include business owners, professionals, and their spouses. He is known for his financial acumen, and for helping individuals in long-term marriages successfully transition to the next ...
Plano, Dallas, and Denton divorce lawyer, mediator and collaborative family lawyer Camille Cooper Scroggins helping clients throughout Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties minimize conflict and resolve disputes respectfully and privately Camille Cooper Scroggins works with clients who want to privately resolve disputes with solutions designed to meet the particular needs of their family, while maintaining dignity, compassion and respect for all involved. Throughout her 27 years of family law p...
Jeff is a highly experienced litigator, mediator, and collaborative law attorney. With such a versatile skill set, he is exceptionally equipped to advise clients on the best approach to resolve their family law matter, and achieve an outcome that is ultimately successful. Jeff manages the full range of family law issues, with special expertise in high net worth business and complex property cases. Time as a civil business litigator early in Jeff’s career honed his technical skills and b...
Andrea (Andi) St. Leger has worked in family law exclusively since 1999. Her practice is made up of complex custody and property cases, divorces, marital property agreements and jurisdictional disputes. She practices primarily in Travis, Hays and Caldwell Counties but has ventured to Bastrop, Victoria, Burnet, Bell and Williamson Counties for specific cases. Ms. St. Leger is board certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is also a trained Mediator who mediates f...
Practice Areas Family Law Commercial Litigation Construction Litigation Collaborative Law Practice Emphasis Jessica has a diverse trial practice that focuses on family law and business litigation. She has extensive experience in handling family law cases, including divorce, child custody, asset division, property and business valuation, paternity, financial support and many other issues that arise in a family law context. Jessica has tried many family cases as well as worked with her clients ...
I represent a wide range of clients, including professionals, working parents, physicians, and their spouses or partners who want to trust that their lawyer is there for them and will protect their interests. Many of my clients are dealing with the challenges of divorce and other family law matters while also taking care of children, elderly parents, and/or pursuing a career. My goal is to alleviate the stress that comes with making life-changing decisions and help clients through the transit...
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